Dairy Biosecurity

Fly Control Begins Before Summer Pressure Peaks

Wed, 13 May 2026 17:48:48 GMT

It usually starts with a few flies around the calf hutches or some extra tail switching in the freestall barn. Then, almost overnight, cows are bunching, calves are irritated and employees are swatting flies left and right.

By the time all of this becomes noticeable, fly populations have often already been building for weeks. Fly control experts say the best chance to stay ahead of pressure is to start managing breeding areas before summer heat and rapid population growth take over.

Small Problems Turn into Big Populations Fast

Flies reproduce quickly once temperatures rise. According to Roger Moon, professor of entomology at the University of Minnesota, flies can complete a generation every 40 to 60 days during spring weather and as fast as every two weeks during the hottest parts of summer.

That means the bedding pile or leftover feed that seems harmless early in the season can become a major source of fly pressure later in summer. Calf areas are especially vulnerable. Wet bedding, spilled milk replacer, manure and leftover feed create ideal conditions for flies to breed.

“Fibrous plant material enriched with manure, urine and moisture are basically the perfect environment for maggots,” Moon says.

Some of the most common breeding spots on dairies include:

Overwintered manure piles
Soiled calf hutch bedding
Bedded-pack barns that were not cleaned out over winter
Feed buildup around bale feeders
Wet feed refusals
The crusted edge around manure lagoons

Moon recommends scouting these areas every one to two weeks during the spring and early summer using something as simple as a garden trowel to look for maggots before populations explode.

Different Flies Create Different Problems

Not every fly on the farm behaves the same way, which is why identifying the type of fly matters before building a management plan.

According to Claire LaCanne, Extension educator in ag production systems, dairies most commonly deal with stable flies, house flies, face flies and horn flies.

“You’ll want to determine what’s pestering your animals to figure out the various methods for managing that particular fly problem,” LaCanne says. “Identifying the type of fly or flies that you are dealing with on the farm along with understanding their lifecycle is key to developing an effective fly management plan.”

Stable flies and house flies are considered “premise flies” because they reproduce in confined areas like barns, calf bedding and manure piles.

Stable flies are the bigger concern from a cattle comfort standpoint because they bite and feed on blood. They are commonly found on the legs and trigger behaviors like bunching, tail switching and foot stomping.

“Stable fly presence can result in reduced production,” LaCanne says.

House flies, meanwhile, do not bite. Instead, they feed on secretions around the eyes and nose and are generally more of a nuisance, although they can contribute to disease spread around the farm.

Flies Cost More Than Annoyance

It is easy to think of flies as just another irritation that comes with summer, but the impact goes much deeper than that.

Heavy fly pressure has been linked to reduced milk production, lower weight gains and weaker immune response. Flies also contribute to the spread of diseases like salmonella, E. coli and pinkeye.

Then there is bunching.

Anyone who has walked into a pen during heavy fly pressure has seen it. Cows crowd together tightly with heads in and tails out, stomping and constantly shifting positions.

Moon says bunching is one of the clearest signs that fly pressure has gotten out of hand.

“You’ll see them milling for position, stomping and switching their tails,” he says. “Bunched stock grow slower, lactate less and have lower immunity because of stress.”

Researchers have also found that bunching creates another set of problems. Airflow between cows decreases, heat builds faster, resting time drops and cows spend less time eating.

What starts as cows trying to get away from flies can quickly lead to lower intake, less resting time and reduced performance across the pen.

Sometimes the Damage Shows up Later

One of the more frustrating parts of fly pressure is that some consequences do not show up until months later.

Stable flies repeatedly biting cattle legs can contribute to hoof problems over time because cows spend more hours standing and shifting weight instead of lying down comfortably.

Moon says animals dealing with prolonged fly irritation may eventually develop sole ulcers or abscesses, issues that often become noticeable in the fall long after peak fly season has passed.

Sanitation Still Matters Most

Even with all the new fly-control products available, most experts still come back to the same basic message: cleanliness matters.

“Cleanliness and sanitation is the most important step in a fly management plan,” LaCanne says.

Removing breeding material interrupts the fly life cycle before adult flies ever emerge.

That means staying ahead of manure buildup, keeping bedding dry and cleaning out problem areas before temperatures really warm up.

“To manage stable flies and house flies, start with sanitation,” LaCanne says. “Doing your best to remove possible breeding sites like rotting hay or grain, spilled feed or TMR, manure piles and other decaying matter is the most effective way to manage stable flies and house flies.”

She recommends scraping, hauling, spreading or composting soiled bedding every other week during the summer if possible.

Several additional management steps can also help reduce pressure:

Move calf hutches and replace bedding after each calf
Use sand, sawdust or wood shavings during summer months
Mow grass and weeds around barns and lagoons
Compost manure properly so temperatures reach at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit
Place fly traps away from barns to draw flies away from cattle areas

Layering Strategies Works Best

Most farms that successfully control flies use multiple approaches together rather than depending on one product. LaCanne says scouting should become part of the routine.

“You should begin looking for signs of flies early in the season,” she says. “Dig or scrape around in areas with organic matter and search for larvae and pupae to figure out where your trouble areas are.”

Sticky traps can also help monitor population pressure and determine when additional controls may be needed.

When fly pressure builds despite sanitation efforts, additional tools can help.

Premise sprays may help suppress stable flies and house flies in enclosed areas, though LaCanne stresses they should be paired with sanitation rather than relied on alone.

Fly baits are most effective against house flies, while pasture fly traps can help reduce horn fly pressure on grazing cattle.

Biological controls are also gaining attention on dairies.

Some farms release parasitoid wasps, often sold as fly predators or fly parasites, to target fly pupae before adults emerge.

“Parasitoid wasps can provide effective management when used with other methods, especially diligent sanitation,” LaCanne says.

However, she cautions that insecticide use can interfere with beneficial insects, making it important to think carefully about where sprays are applied.

Start Before the Flies Force You to

One of the biggest mistakes farms make is waiting until fly pressure becomes obvious before taking action.By the time cows are bunching and calves are restless, fly populations are already well established.

According to Moon and LaCanne, the farms that manage flies best are not necessarily the ones reaching for more sprays in July. They are the ones that dealt with breeding areas early, before populations had a chance to build.

California Dairy Study Raises New Questions About How H5N1 Spreads

Fri, 08 May 2026 15:46:21 GMT

For months, discussions around H5N1 in dairy cattle have focused largely on infected milk and contaminated milking equipment. New research from California suggests the transmission picture may be far more complex.

In a study published this week in PLOS Biology , researchers investigating 14 H5N1-positive California dairies found evidence supporting several possible transmission pathways, including aerosols generated during milking and contamination within dairy wastewater systems. The study also identified signs of subclinical infection in some cows, raising new questions about how easily infected animals may be missed during outbreaks.

The findings add to growing evidence that the dairy environment itself may play a larger role in H5N1 transmission than previously recognized.

Infectious H5N1 Virus Detected in Dairy Parlor Air

One of the study’s most significant findings came from air sampling inside milking parlors.

Researchers collected aerosol samples during milking and detected not only viral RNA, but infectious H5N1 virus in some air samples. Viral material was also identified in exhaled breath collected from infected cattle.

Environmental sampling findings included:

Infectious virus recovered from parlor air samples and wastewater systems
Viral RNA identified in cow breath samples
Evidence of infection in some cows without obvious clinical signs

The distinction between viral RNA and infectious virus is important. Detecting RNA alone does not confirm viable virus is present, while recovery of infectious virus suggests aerosolized particles could potentially contribute to transmission.

The authors stopped short of concluding that airborne spread is a primary transmission route on dairies. However, the findings raise new questions about respiratory exposure risks in enclosed milking environments.

Milking parlors routinely generate aerosols through animal movement, splashing fluids, equipment use and high-pressure cleaning systems. The study suggests those environments may warrant closer attention during outbreak investigations and biosecurity planning.

The findings also have implications for worker safety. Since the U.S. dairy outbreak began, human infections linked to dairy cattle exposure have generally been mild, with conjunctivitis among the most commonly reported symptoms. Aerosol exposure during milking has remained a persistent concern for occupational health experts.

Wastewater Systems are a Possible H5N1 Exposure Route

Researchers also detected widespread contamination throughout dairy wastewater systems.

H5N1 viral RNA was identified in parlor drains, wastewater sumps, lagoons and reclaimed water systems. Infectious virus was recovered from some wastewater-associated samples as well. This finding may be particularly relevant for modern dairy operations, where reclaimed water is frequently reused for flushing and other management purposes.

The authors noted wastewater systems could create additional opportunities for virus movement within the farm environment through splashing, aerosol generation, contaminated surfaces and possible wildlife exposure. Wild birds have already played a major role in the global spread of H5N1. Contaminated wastewater or standing water could represent another point of interaction between dairies and wildlife populations.

The study does not establish wastewater systems as a major driver of transmission. However, it does suggest environmental contamination pathways may deserve more attention as researchers continue investigating how the virus behaves in dairy systems.

Some Infected Cows Showed Few Clinical Signs

The study also identified evidence of subclinical infection.

Some cows tested positive for H5N1 despite showing limited or no obvious clinical illness. In several cases, cows produced H5N1-positive milk without severe visible mastitis signs. Researchers also detected antibodies in animals without previously recognized disease.

Infection patterns within udders added another layer of complexity. Researchers noted some patterns did not fully align with expectations if transmission were occurring solely through contaminated milking equipment.

If milking equipment was the only major transmission route, infections between udder quarters would likely appear more predictable. Instead, the findings suggested additional exposure pathways may be involved.

These subclinical infections could complicate surveillance and outbreak detection efforts. Farms relying primarily on visibly sick cows may miss infected animals, particularly during the early stages of transmission. That has implications for testing strategies, animal movement decisions and outbreak response planning.

The findings also highlight how differently H5N1 behaves in cattle compared to poultry, where highly pathogenic avian influenza often causes rapid and severe disease.

Biosecurity Implications Continue to Evolve

The authors emphasized more research is needed to determine which transmission pathways are most influential on commercial dairies. Still, the study broadens the conversation around H5N1 biosecurity.

Early outbreak discussions focused heavily on milk contamination and fomite transmission through milking equipment. This study suggests aerosols, wastewater systems, environmental contamination and subclinical infections may also play a role.

That could influence future discussions around:

Parlor ventilation
PPE use during milking
Wastewater handling
Environmental sanitation
Surveillance strategies
Monitoring apparently healthy cows

The paper also underscores how much remains unknown about H5N1 adaptation in dairy cattle. Researchers identified mutations in some environmental samples that have previously been associated with mammalian adaptation, though the significance of those findings remains unclear.

This study offers an updated look at a disease situation that continues to evolve rapidly — and suggests transmission on dairies may involve a broader network of environmental exposures than initially believed.

APHIS Lifts Testing Requirements for H5N1 in Unaffected States

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:33:03 GMT

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued updated guidance related to the April 2024 Federal Order that required testing of lactating dairy cattle before they move across State lines.

Effective immediately, lactating dairy cattle moving interstate from States with Unaffected State Status under the National Milk Testing Strategy are no longer required to be tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 prior to movement.

View the updated guidance document .

Key Points

No testing required for lactating dairy cattle originating from States with Unaffected State Status under the National Milk Testing Strategy .
Unaffected State Status requires ongoing testing and surveillance activities to confirm the absence of HPAI in the State’s dairy herds.
This update follows a United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) resolution received in October 2025 and is expected to be widely supported by dairy and State animal health regulatory officials.
APHIS does not anticipate any impact on trade of cattle or beef/dairy products.

Public Health and Food Safety

The detection of HPAI H5N1 in lactating dairy cattle does not pose a risk to consumer health or compromise the safety of the commercial milk supply. Pasteurization effectively inactivates HPAI virus. Milk from affected animals is diverted or destroyed to prevent entry into the food supply. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to consider the public health risk low.

The Importance of Biosecurity

USDA remains committed to working with State partners to monitor, investigate, and mitigate the spread of HPAI in livestock. This update does not change  USDA’s HPAI eradication strategy . Biosecurity is still key to mitigating the risk of disease introduction or spread between premises.

APHIS recommends  enhanced biosecurity measures  for all dairy farms. Producers should immediately report any livestock with clinical signs, or any unusual sick or dead wildlife, to their State veterinarian.

From the Parlor to the Perimeter: Protecting the Heart of American Dairy in 2026

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:47:14 GMT

2026 marks a defining moment for U.S. dairy producers. As biological threats evolve and new risks loom on the horizon, the industry’s focus has moved from the parlor to the perimeter. During a high-level panel at the High Plains Dairy Conference, leaders including Jason Lombard, Samantha Holeck and Dee Ellis addressed the biosecurity gap and the urgent need for a line of separation to safeguard the milk supply. This isn’t just a discussion about animal health; it’s a strategic deep dive into the risk management and business continuity required to keep the American dairy industry moving forward in a volatile world.

The Ghost in the Mammary Gland: The H5N1 Legacy

Lombard opened the discussion with a sobering retrospective on H5N1. What began as a bird flu headline in December 2021 has evolved into a complex, multi-species challenge that has fundamentally altered the dairy landscape.

Lombard’s timeline showed the relentless march of the virus. From the first detections in wild birds in the Carolinas to the jump into commercial turkeys in 2022, the industry watched with wary eyes. But 2024 was the year the ground shifted. The B3.13 genotype emerged in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas, eventually spreading to multiple states and even jumping to alpacas and swine. By late 2025, new genotypes like D1.1 were being detected in Arizona, Nevada and Wisconsin.

The most jarring revelation, however, was the visual evidence of where the virus hides. Lombard shared microscopic images of the mammary gland, where sialic acid receptors — the locks the virus keys into — glowed red, and the virus itself (AIV) glowed yellow.

“It’s in the milk,” Lombard stated flatly.

The spread isn’t just about a bird dropping a feather in a feed bunk. The data now shows a web of transmission: the movement of cattle, the movement of people and even the breathing of the herd. Most concerning for the 2026 outlook is the role of aerosols and peridomestic birds like swallows, pigeons and starlings. We are fighting a ghost that can be carried on a breeze or the back of a common filth fly.

The Emerging Nightmare: New World Screwworm

While the industry is still reeling from H5N1, Holeck introduced a threat that sounds like the plot of a horror movie but carries devastating economic reality: New World screwworm (NWS).

For decades, the U.S. has been protected by the “Darien Gap” and a massive eradication effort that pushed the screwworm south into Central America. But in 2026, the map is changing. Holeck shared a situational update showing thousands of active cases in Mexico, with some pushing dangerously close to the U.S. border.

“This will change the way we do business,” Holeck warned.

If NWS crosses the border, the implications are immediate and severe. We are talking about total movement restrictions, intensive live-animal inspections and the potential for lost trade. Unlike a virus, NWS is a parasite — a fly that lays eggs in open wounds, where larvae then consume living tissue. Holeck’s toolbox for 2026 isn’t just about vaccinations; it’s about management. It’s about preventing injuries, adjusting management practices to keep wounds clean, and a hyper-vigilant remove and dispose protocol for larvae.

The Reality of the Gap: Data from the Barn Floor

Farm Journal conducted its own research on research launched at the 2025 Milk Business Conference. The research illustrates a significant biosecurity gap between large and small operations.

The data showed that while 71% of producers have cameras in their milking parlors, only 38% have defined entrances with clear signage for designated vehicles like milk and feed trucks. The discrepancy becomes even sharper when looking at herd size. Larger dairies are significantly more likely to have designated employee parking (+23%) and cameras at facility entrances (+32%) compared to dairies with fewer than 1,000 cows.

The producer’s dilemma is real: ROI versus risk. On a smaller operation, a $20,000 security and sanitation upgrade can feel like a mountain, especially when the threat hasn’t hit your zip code yet. But as the panel emphasized, biosecurity is like insurance — you only realize its value when it’s too late.

One of the most telling statistics from the survey was that 25% of producers admitted they “don’t control and limit access” to feed storage areas. In an era where H5N1 and other diseases can be carried by wildlife and birds into the very food the cows eat, this is a glaring vulnerability.

The Blueprint: Drawing the Line of Separation

Ellis provided the how-to for the future: The Secure Milk Supply (SMS) Plan. This isn’t just a binder that sits on a shelf; it is a voluntary, science-based framework designed to ensure business continuity during a disease outbreak.

The core of the SMS plan is the line of separation (LOS). Ellis shared sample dairy maps that looked more like tactical military charts than farm layouts. The LOS creates a clear clean/dirty boundary.

The Dirty Side: Where public roads, non-essential deliveries and rendering trucks reside.
The Clean Side: The protected area where cows live, eat and are milked.

Implementing an SMS plan means identifying specific LOS access points, creating vehicle cleaning and disinfecting stations and establishing strict logs for every person and animal that crosses that line.

“Don’t sacrifice good for perfect,” Ellis advised. “Every SMS plan is unique. The key is to start. Post your map where every employee can see it every day. Make the clean/dirty concept part of your farm’s culture.”

The Biosecurity Umbrella

Biosecurity can feel like a cloud of acronyms and diseases: BVD, TB, Johne’s, Mycoplasma and now H5N1 and NWS.

Biosecurity isn’t easy. It’s tedious. It’s expensive. And it’s often invisible.

As an industry, we must move away from a reactive posture and toward a proactive, fortified model of production. Whether it’s a million-dollar operation in the Texas Panhandle or a 100-cow family farm in Wisconsin, the line of separation is the same.

The call to action for the industry is the same for every operation across the U.S.:

Assemble your team and review protocols now — before the challenge hits.
Look at your perimeter and sanitation, especially in feed and transport areas.
Support each other. If you serve producers, help them find the resources to make these investments.

While we may be facing genotypes and parasites that generations before us never dreamed of, we now have the science, the data and the collective will to protect the milk supply.

The 2026 revolution isn’t just about how much milk we can produce; it’s about how well we can protect it. And in that mission, we are all behind the wheel together.

The Invisible Perimeter: High-Tech Biosecurity in the Age of Bird Flu

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:10:01 GMT

In the heart of Tulare, Calif., Tyler Ribeiro is conducting an experiment in “mediocrity-free” farming. As a fourth-generation dairyman at Rib-Arrow Dairy, he has seen the industry evolve through a century of challenges. But today, the stakes have shifted. While the Central Valley sun and volatile markets remain constant pressures, an invisible threat moved to the forefront of the dairy conversation last year: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu.

For a dairy milking 1,500 cows, the emergence of H5N1 in dairy herds represents a fundamental shift in how animal well-being is defined. It is no longer just about comfort and production; it is about the rigorous defense of the milk supply itself. At Rib-Arrow, the philosophy of being tech-forward has become the farm’s strongest shield against this mounting biosecurity threat.

Early Detection: The Digital First Line of Defense

The battle against a viral threat like bird flu begins with early detection. Ribeiro’s implementation of Nedap SmartSight vision technology and activity monitoring collars provides a level of granular oversight that was impossible for previous generations. While these systems were primarily installed to monitor locomotion — reducing the lameness incident rate in first lactation cows from 6% to 2% — their value in a biosecurity crisis is immense.

“A cow starts hurting long before we can see it with our eyes,” Ribeiro notes.

Tyler Ribeiro

(Rib-Arrow Dairy)

This same principle applies to viral illness. Before a cow shows clinical signs of HPAI, such as a drop in milk production or lethargy, her data — captured 24/7 in the NedapNow cloud platform — begins to tell a story. By catching subtle changes in activity or movement early, high-tech dairies can isolate animals and implement quarantine protocols before a virus has the chance to move through the entire herd. In the era of bird flu, data is the difference between a minor incident and a total operation shutdown.

Automated Perimeter

Biosecurity is often compromised by the movement of people and equipment. Rib-Arrow’s lean toward automation directly mitigates this risk. The HoofStrong automated foot baths, which have been in place since 2015, are a prime example. Because the system is fully self-contained and self-cleaning, it reduces the need for constant employee intervention and chemical handling.

(Rib-Arrow Dairy )

Similarly, Ribeiro’s three-pronged approach to fly control — using automated flash-sprays, baits and parasitic wasps — limits the presence of pests that can carry pathogens across the dairy. By automating these dirty work tasks, the dairy ensures protocols are executed with 100% consistency, creating a closed-loop environment where the risk of cross-contamination is significantly lowered.

Protect the Pipeline: A Strategic View

The challenges faced by dairies like Rib-Arrow are the focal point of the upcoming 2026 High Plains Dairy Conference in Amarillo. A critical addition to the lineup is the panel “Protecting the Milk Supply,” featuring experts like Dee Ellis from Texas A&M and New Mexico state veterinarian Samantha Holeck. Their work bridges the gap between the regulatory requirements of state-level safety and the daily reality of the parlor.

As Ribeiro notes: “I hate it when people show up and say, ‘You’re doing a great job.’ Show me where I’m missing.”

This mindset is essential for modern biosecurity. Protecting the pipeline requires producers to work alongside data scientists like Jason Lombard of Colorado State University’s AgNext to understand the science of staying open, which involves analyzing every touch point on the farm — from how calves are transported to how manure is managed — to ensure business continuity in the face of a biosecurity event.

(Rib-Arrow Dairy)

Reputation and Resilience

The final layer of defense against bird flu is communication. For a dairy like Rib-Arrow, transparency and clear communication are vital.

Ribeiro’s “data nerd” approach allows him to provide a real-time truth about his herd’s health. Whether it is downloading thousands of cells of data to analyze with AI or checking his phone app for a cow’s locomotion score, he is equipped to prove the resilience of his operation.

As the road through 2026 and beyond is paved, the goal remains the same as it was 100 years ago: healthy cows and a sustainable business. The difference now is the eye in the sky and the mountain of data are the tools ensuring the next generation of the Ribeiro family is still standing — and profitable — no matter what biological threats the world throws at them.

Could Lasers Help Keep Birds Out of the Feedbunk?

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:09:49 GMT

Where there’s feed on the farm, birds usually follow. These nuisance pests aren’t only an eyesore, but they can cause real damage in terms of feed loss and biosecurity risk.

For pigeons, starlings and sparrows, grain piles, commodity bays and feedbunks quickly become an all-you-can-eat buffet. In fact, a flock of 10,000 birds can consume up to 500 lb. of feed daily. While these critters certainly aren’t a new problem for dairies, a newer technology has emerged that may offer another way to manage bird pressure. And the interesting part? It involves laser beams.

A New Approach to Bird Control

The system, developed by iChase, uses cameras to identify birds in the area. Once a bird has been spotted, a green laser beam slowly sweeps across the ground, walls or feedbunk to spook the bird away. Because poultry rely heavily on their eyesight, the moving laser looks to them like something solid getting closer. Their instinct is to fly away from it.

According to the company, the system can be installed above feedbunks or mounted on farm structures to help discourage birds from gathering. As the laser repeatedly moves through the same spaces, birds begin to view the area as unpredictable and uncomfortable. Eventually, many avoid the area altogether.

The idea is similar to other deterrents producers have tried over the years, but the constantly moving light is designed to be harder for birds to get used to. Traditional approaches like predator decoys and reflective tape can work at first, but birds often adapt once they realize the threat isn’t real.

Another feature that helps the technology stand out is coverage. iChase states that a single unit can cover a large area, which may make it useful in places like silage bunkers or commodity barns where birds tend to gather.

Interest in the technology has also grown outside of dairy. Airports and warehouses have also used laser deterrents to reduce birds in sensitive areas. As the equipment becomes more available, agricultre companies are starting to explore how it might fit into other livestock operations as well. As farms continue looking for practical ways to protect feed and maintain cleaner facilities, tools like these are starting to draw interest.

Bovine Tuberculosis Detected in Michigan Dairy

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:18:18 GMT

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has confirmed a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a dairy herd in Charlevoix County, located west of Michigan’s Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ), where the disease is known to be present in the state’s white-tailed deer population.

(Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development)

According to state officials, the detection followed identification of bovine TB in an adult cow at a USDA Food Safety Inspection Service-inspected processing plant. Through animal traceability efforts, officials traced the animal back to its herd of origin. Subsequent testing of the herd identified additional bovine TB cases.

“This latest detection of bovine TB highlights two important realities: how challenging the disease is to address; and why it is so crucial to use all of our tools for detection to swiftly identify cases and take actions to limit disease spread,” say Nora Wineland, state veterinarian for Michigan. “While finding a newly affected herd is never ideal, this case demonstrates our systems for detection and traceability are working, allowing us to quickly implement measures to protect animal health and public health in Michigan.”

MDARD reports an epidemiological investigation is already underway to determine whether additional cases may be linked to the affected herd. There are currently two TB zones within the state: a four-county area in northern lower Michigan called the Modified Accredited Zone, and the remainder of the state’s 83 counties is referred to as the Accredited Free Zone.

This is Michigan’s second confirmed bovine TB case in the past 13 months. The previous case was identified in a beef herd in Alcona County, located within the state’s Modified Accredited Zone, in January 2025. With this latest detection, a total of 84 cattle herds have been confirmed with bovine TB in Michigan since 1998.

What is Bovine Tuberculosis?

According to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), bovine tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease that can infect all mammals, including humans. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis and spreads through both direct contact between infected and uninfected animals and indirect exposure, such as contaminated feed, water or the environment.

The disease progresses slowly, often developing over several years. Infection typically begins in the lymph nodes before advancing to the lungs and chest cavity, where it can cause serious lesions.

While cattle are the primary host, the disease can also be present in white-tailed deer and elk, as well as bison, goats and certain carnivores, including coyotes.

The Symptoms

Unfortunately, infected cattle are typically asymptomatic. Detection usually occurs during live animal skin testing or, more commonly, at slaughter through our national slaughter surveillance program, according to USDA. If cattle or bison show clinical signs of tuberculosis, the disease has advanced to affect multiple organ systems, which is rare.

Can it be Prevented?

Bovine TB most often spreads through close contact, especially nose-to-nose interaction between animals, or when cattle consume feed or water that’s been contaminated. In most cases, herds become infected one of two ways: by bringing in an infected animal or through exposure to infected wildlife.

While the prevalence of tuberculosis in cattle is extremely low in the U.S., with an estimated prevalence of 7 per 1 million cattle screened, it can occur. Producers should work alongside their veterinarian to help create a biosecurity plan.

How is it Identified?

According to APHIS, the primary source of tuberculosis surveillance is carcass inspection at all federal and state inspected slaughter establishments. The other main sources of tuberculosis detection are testing animals before interstate movement and during disease investigations. Live animal testing is performed with a screening test. If positive, the regulatory veterinarian will conduct a confirmatory test.

Can it be Treated?

Unfortunately, tuberculosis in livestock is not a treatable disease. When health officials find tuberculosis in a herd, it is managed by either depopulating the herd or by testing and removing reactor animals.

High Plains Dairy Conference Returns to Amarillo for 2026

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:01:59 GMT

The U.S. dairy industry is currently operating at a high-stakes crossroads. Traditional production models are being challenged by volatile global markets, shifting consumer demands and the unrelenting pressure of rising input costs. To address these evolving dynamics, the High Plains Dairy Conference will return to Amarillo, Texas, on March 4-5, 2026, serving as a critical epicenter for innovation, strategy and resilience.

Expected to draw approximately 300 industry representatives from across the United States, the event has become a premier hub for the nation’s dairy producers. According to Robert Hagevoort, Ph.D., conference co-coordinator and Extension dairy specialist at New Mexico State University, the 2026 agenda is surgically designed to tackle the industry’s most pressing economic and operational questions.

Technical Depth: The Preconference Intensives

The momentum begins Tuesday, March 3, with a series of specialized preconference workshops that dive deep into the nuts and bolts of dairy management.

Nutrition specialists will gather for a session with the Texas Animal Nutrition Council to explore the role of DCAD in mitigating heat stress-induced leaky gut and optimizing health through the management of subclinical hypocalcemia. Simultaneously, the Dairy Cattle Reproductive Council will host a workshop on targeted reproductive management, emphasizing the better use of available data to drive cow longevity.

Recognizing the growing importance of the start of the life cycle, the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association will lead a session on the transport of dairy and dairy-beef cross calves, while rethinking colostrum protocols to maximize total IgG.

The Macro View: Global and Domestic Outlooks

As the general session opens Tuesday afternoon, moderated by Peggy Coffeen of the “Uplevel Dairy Podcast”, the focus shifts to the big picture. The 2026 conference secures a high-level perspective with a “Dairy Outlook Series.” Torsten Hemme of T.H. Consulting will provide a state-of-the-world analysis from Kiel, Germany, followed by Curtis Bosma of HighGround Dairy, who will dissect the current state of the U.S. industry.

The centerpiece of the afternoon is a heavy-hitter panel featuring Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, and Michael Dykes, DVM, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. Moderated by Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, this conversation will bridge the gap between policy and the parlor, looking back at the lessons of the past five years to forecast the next decade.

Labor, Tech and the Beef-on-Dairy Revolution

Wednesday’s sessions tackle the day-to-day realities of modern dairy management. Labor remains a primary pain point, and the conference addresses it head-on with an update on labor reform from Charlie Garrison, followed by a high-performance training panel featuring experts like Jorge Delgado and Tom Wall.

Technology will also take center stage as Jeffrey Bewley, Ph.D., explores the promise and pitfalls of camera technology. Perhaps the most anticipated session is the “Beyond the Boom” panel, which explores the next chapter of the beef-on-dairy crossbreeding movement — a trend that has fundamentally altered the revenue landscape for modern dairies.

Resilience in a Water-Limited World

The High Plains region is no stranger to environmental constraints, and the Wednesday afternoon session focuses on tactical strategies for herd resilience. Experts will discuss feeding cattle under water constraints and the increasingly vital topic of monetizing manure.

In a world where nutrients and compliance are as valuable as the milk itself, a panel featuring Ben Laine with Terrain and Bruce Knight will discuss how to turn manure into a profit center.

Protect the Pipeline

One of the most critical additions to this year’s lineup is a panel focused on protecting the milk supply. In an era where biosecurity is no longer optional, this session brings together the experts you need to hear from.

Dee Ellis with Texas A&M and New Mexico state veterinarian Samantha Holeck will provide the regulatory and veterinary perspective on state-level safety, while Jason Lombard with Colorado State University AgNext dives into the data behind business continuity. Our own Karen Bohnert, dairy editorial director with Farm Journal will also be on the panel, bringing a unique perspective on industry reputation and how to communicate clearly when a crisis hits. Under the moderation of Dan Rice, this is all about making sure your dairy is still standing — and profitable — no matter what the world throws at it.

The Human Element: Spanish-Language Leadership

Rounding out the week on Thursday, March 5, is the middle managers workshop, presented entirely in Spanish. This session focuses on communication and conflict resolution — essential skills for the leaders who manage the diverse workforces that keep High Plains dairies running. By providing role-playing and application space for Spanish-speaking leaders, the HPDC ensures the entire management chain will be equipped for success.

As Robert Hagevoort notes, the High Plains Dairy Conference isn’t just a meeting; it’s a survival and growth strategy for an industry in transition. For 300 attendees in Amarillo, the roadway to 2026 and beyond will be paved with the insights gained this March.

The full agenda and registration are available at High Plains Dairy Conference .

Prepping Dairies for the Return of the New World Screwworm

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:00:59 GMT

As New World screwworm moves closer to the southern U.S., dairy farmers, veterinarians and industry leaders are paying closer attention. While it’s not time to panic yet, there is a shared focus on being prepared if the pest crosses the border.

Keith Poulsen, Ph.D., director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin, explained the urgency during a recent “Professional Dairy Producers” webinar.

“This is not just another fly,” Poulsen says. “The New World screwworm is the larval stage of a fly that actually burrows into live tissue. That’s what makes it unique and what makes it a genuine threat to cattle, other livestock and even people.”

The U.S. successfully eradicated the screwworm in 1960 using a method called the sterile insect technique. This approach involved breeding and releasing millions of sterile male flies into the wild. When these sterile males mated with wild females, no offspring were produced, slowly shrinking the screwworm population. Over time, this effort drove the pest out of the country.

“It took decades, but we pushed screwworm out of North America all the way into South America,” Poulsen explains.

Today, detections moving north through Mexico have veterinarians and animal health officials paying close attention. With confirmed cases now within roughly 70 miles of the Texas border, the concern is very real.

“We’ve seen this pest before,” Poulsen says. “The fact that it’s moving north again means we need to be ready.”

Why is This Fly Different?

Unlike flies that target manure or dead tissue, the New World screwworm lays eggs in living animals. When those eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the tissue and feed, creating painful wounds that can rapidly worsen.

“They’re irritated because it’s painful,” Poulsen explains. “When those eggs hatch and the larvae start feeding, it creates abscesses. Abscesses are painful, and they can lead to sepsis or a generalized infection.”

Animal deaths aren’t usually common, but the damage does not need to be fatal to be costly. Livestock often lose condition, require treatment and can suffer carcass trimming or condemnation later.

“You might see it at slaughter when tissue has to be trimmed out or carcasses are condemned,” Poulsen says. “That’s where a lot of the economic impact shows up.”

What Should You Look For?

Poulsen stresses early detection depends less on new technology and more on careful observation. The good news is producers already do this every day.

“We call it active observational surveillance,” he says. “You already check your animals every day. Now you just add a heightened awareness for very specific signs.”

Producers should watch for changes in behavior, skin condition and overall comfort, including:

Unusual discomfort or behavior, such as head shaking, kicking at the body, tail swishing or animals isolating themselves from the group
Animals that just seem off, even if no obvious wound is visible at first
Open sores or abscesses, especially those that appear suddenly or worsen quickly
Foul smelling wounds, which can indicate infected or abscessed tissue
Clusters of lesions, rather than a single isolated wound. “You’ll often see chains of abscesses,” Poulsen explains. “They can range from blueberry sized to golf ball sized, and you’ll usually see more than one.”

Certain areas of the body deserve extra attention, particularly places animals struggle to brush flies away, including:

Udder cleft and teat base
Axilla or armpit area
Neck and dewlap
Along the topline or shoulders

In more advanced cases, larvae can be visible within the wound.

“If you see larvae or maggots coming out, that’s a real telltale sign,” Poulsen adds.

Identifying the Fly

Adult screwworm flies look different from common horn flies, but Poulsen cautions against relying on visual identification alone.

“They have a metallic green body, large heads and striping on the abdomen,” he says. “But it’s hard to tell for sure just by looking.”

(USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)

Instead, he encourages producers to involve their veterinarian and diagnostic labs early rather than trying to make the call themselves.

“If you think you see the flies, grab a couple, put them in a collection vial and give them to your veterinarian,” Poulsen says. “We’ll identify them for free. Our lab network is activated and trained to look for this.”

Is This Only a Southern Concern?

Texas and the broader Southwest face the highest risk because warm temperatures allow screwworm flies to survive year-round, giving the pest more opportunity to reproduce and spread. Still, Poulsen cautions that northern states should not assume they are completely safe.

“We move a lot of animals back and forth,” he says. “Wisconsin alone moves about 6,000 animals per month to and from Texas.”

Transporting calves south or bringing in animals from higher-risk areas can inadvertently introduce screwworm to northern herds. Even healthy-looking animals can carry early-stage larvae that are not yet visible.

“The risk up here isn’t zero, but it’s not as high as in the south,” Poulsen says. “The advice for those farms is simple. Look closely. If you see anything, say something.”

Cold weather slows screwworm activity, giving farms some seasonal relief. Still, producers need to stay alert as warmer weather returns.

“Now that we’re in the middle of winter, flies shouldn’t be an issue,” he says. “This season is more about keeping an eye out and staying ready for what spring might bring.”

What Happens if Screwworm Crosses the Border?

While no one can say exactly how regulatory responses would play out if screwworm returns, agencies are already preparing.

Federal and state animal health officials are increasing surveillance, testing and monitoring programs to catch the pest early. Rapid response plans are also being developed, including quarantine measures, movement restrictions and treatment strategies.

“We’re ramping up testing, education and surveillance,” Poulsen says. “It’s not just about detecting insect presence. It’s about rapid response, communication and ensuring we have animal movement protocols ready if needed.”

Public health is also involved.

“We had a human case in Maryland from someone who traveled to an endemic area,” he adds. “Public health found it, treated it and contained it. That tells me the system works, but we still don’t want it in our livestock.”

Making Biosecurity a Priority

Being proactive isn’t just about one pest. Recent research presented at the MILK Business Conference shows many U.S. dairy farms take a reactive approach to biosecurity, leaving operations vulnerable to evolving disease threats. About one-third of farms don’t regularly review their biosecurity plans, even as challenges like highly pathogenic avian influenza, bovine spongiform encephalopathy and New World screwworm continue to emerge.

The survey of more than 300 dairy producers found that while 68% of larger farms have a biosecurity plan, 34% do not review or update it regularly. The good news is that more than 70% of large dairies are working on improvements, showing parts of the industry are taking biosecurity seriously. Having these systems in place can make a real difference when it comes to spotting problems like screwworm early and responding quickly.

Awareness Over Alarm

Poulsen is quick to clarify that being prepared does not mean panicking. While screwworm has not been detected in U.S. livestock yet, thinking ahead can make all the difference.

“If animals are coming from a high-risk area, they may need to be treated before transport and monitored closely after arrival,” he says. On modern dairies, that is easier said than done because quarantine takes space and space costs money. That is why he encourages producers to start planning now.

“Talk to your veterinarian,” he says. “Ask what your biosecurity plan looks like if you have to bring animals in. Do you have a place to isolate them? How long would they stay there? What treatments would you use?”

He emphasizes that the goal is not fear but knowledge and readiness.

“This isn’t about fear. It’s about knowing what we’re up against and using every resource we have to protect our animals and our industry.”

While the threat of New World screwworm seems intimidating, Poulsen’s advice is simple. Keep up with the latest updates, pay close attention to your animals and reach out to your vet or state animal health officials sooner rather than later. Staying ahead now makes all the difference later.

“The consequence of missing it is very, very high,” Poulsen adds. “It is much easier to control it early than later.”

Looking ahead, he sees the current situation as the start of a longer process.

“We’re at the beginning of this, not the end,” Poulsen says. “That’s exactly why we’re having these conversations now.”

First Case of Avian Flu Detected in Wisconsin Dairy Herd

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:40:26 GMT

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a dairy herd in Dodge County, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced Sunday. This marks the first confirmed detection of the virus in dairy cattle in the state.

Dodge County, Wisconsin

(USDA)

The herd was identified through routine National Milk Testing Strategy screening, not the surveillance required for moving cattle across state lines. The affected farm has been quarantined, and any cattle showing signs of illness are being separated for treatment.

Bird flu has already been detected in poultry flocks in Wisconsin. On Dec. 9, state officials reported HPAI in a flock in Marquette County, which is just one county away from the affected dairy herd.

HPAI in dairy cattle has been documented in the U.S. before, with the first detections reported in March 2024 in dairy herds in Texas and Kansas. Since then, there have been more than 1,000 confirmed cases across 18 states, primarily through targeted testing and monitoring programs. While the pace of new detections has slowed in recent months, one additional confirmed case has been reported in California within the past 30 days, indicating the virus is still a threat.

HPAI Confirmed Cases in the Last 30 Days

(USDA)

Total HPAI Confirmed Cases

(USDA)

A Wake-Up Call for Dairy Biosecurity

The Wisconsin case comes as new research from Farm Journal highlights ongoing gaps in dairy biosecurity practices nationwide. A survey of more than 300 dairy producers, presented at the MILK Business Conference, found that while many operations report having biosecurity plans in place, consistent implementation and regular review remain a challenge.

According to the survey, 68% of farms with at least 250 cows say they have a biosecurity plan, yet 34% of those producers acknowledge they do not routinely review or update it. The findings point to vulnerabilities at a time when disease threats such as HPAI, New World screwworm and bovine spongiform encephalopathy continue to raise concern across the livestock sector.

(Farm Journal)

“We need biosecurity efforts to be more impactful at the ground level,” said Kirk Ramsey, professional services veterinarian with Neogen, who reviewed the survey results. “Not only to prevent major outbreaks, but also to protect employees and families from what could be carried home every day.”

As emerging diseases continue to challenge dairy operations, the research reinforces the importance of consistent, practical biosecurity measures to reduce risk and protect herd health.

What are the Symptoms of HPAI in Dairy Cattle?

As monitoring continues, officials are urging producers to stay alert for early signs of illness within their herds, as prompt detection and response remain key to limiting further spread. Signs of HPAI include:

Drop in milk production
Loss of appetite
Changes in manure consistency
Thickened or colostrum-like milk
Low-grade fever

State officials are monitoring the situation and working closely with the farm to contain the virus and prevent further spread. DATCP emphasized there is no concern for the safety of the commercial milk supply, as pasteurization eliminates the virus. The CDC considers the human health risk low.

Read more on HPAI in dairy:

New Research Exposes Stagnant Biosecurity Efforts in the U.S. Dairy Industry

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:20:34 GMT

When it comes to biosecurity, U.S. dairy farmers are more reactive than proactive and some neglect the basics, making operations vulnerable to evolving disease threats, according to new research released Tuesday at MILK Business Conference .

The study found farm hygiene and herd health aren’t top of mind on all farms and one-third of farms don’t proactively review their biosecurity plans indicating a potential lack of ongoing commitment or adaptation.

There is a silver lining: More than 70% of large dairies say they are already working on improvements, meaning some in the industry are prioritizing biosecurity.

The recent research conducted by Farm Journal, which surveyed more than 300 dairy producers, looks at trends and potential vulnerabilities that might be affecting dairy farms nationwide. As disease challenges such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), New World screwworm (NWS) and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) continue to mount, biosecurity remains a critical concern for the industry.

“We need biosecurity efforts to be more impactful at the ground level. Not only to prevent major outbreaks, but to even protect employees and families from the things being taken home every day,” says Kirk Ramsey, Neogen’s professional services veterinarian who reviewed the biosecurity survey results.

Biosecurity Plans Lag Behind Threats

The survey reveals even among farms with established biosecurity strategies, commitment to reviewing and adapting these plans is lacking. While 68% of farmers with at least 250 dairy cows report having a biosecurity plan, 34% admit they do not review their plans regularly.

(Farm Journal)

On a positive note, 72% of dairy operators with 250-plus cows report they are currently making improvements to their biosecurity versus 58% of smaller dairy operators. Those producers are making improvements for a host of reasons, including recent on-farm or neighboring farm disease outbreaks, veterinarian recommendation and government or regulatory authority guidelines.

One respondent shares because their farm is a “closed herd” they’re not making any improvements to their biosecurity plan. All of this hints at a broader problem: Ongoing biosecurity practices might not be keeping pace with evolving threats.

Back to the Basics With Farm Security

The survey also uncovers significant gaps in fundamental farm security. More than 20% of surveyed dairies neglect to secure access to barns and animal housing. Monitoring or restricting visitor access is also a blind spot for 16% of producers, and only 33% of producers use camera surveillance to oversee their facilities. Additionally, 38% fail to control or limit access to areas where feed is stored or provided.

(Farm Journal)

Gaps in Hygiene and Herd Health

When it comes to farm hygiene and animal health practices, 72% of larger dairy operations have hand-washing stations included in their biosecurity protocol, and 75% use separate equipment for handling feed and manure. Even though more than half of respondents use technology, such as herd activity monitoring systems, to help identify sick animals, the overall picture suggests room for improvement in daily hygiene and health protocols.

(Farm Journal)

Training and Education Should Be Proactive

The approach to biosecurity training also calls for reform. The findings show a reactive pattern, with 32% of farms providing training only in response to biosecurity issues, while another 30% conduct quarterly meetings. These figures reveal substantial portions of the industry lack consistent, proactive staff education, an essential pillar of effective biosecurity management.

Chief Science Officer Jamie Jonker, Ph.D., with National Milk Producers Federation says biosecurity on dairy farms is a continuous process that requires proactive updates and employee education to keep pace with evolving disease threats.

“The National Dairy FARM Program offers comprehensive biosecurity materials and evaluation tools as well as certified FARM Biosecurity evaluators who can draft tailored plans and guide training to ensure consistent implementation,” he says. “Leveraging these resources helps producers stay ahead of risks and maintain a strong, resilient operation.”

(Farm Journal)

Cybersecurity: An Emerging Concern

Beyond biosecurity, the increasing reliance on technology introduces cybersecurity challenges. Only 29% of farmers have collaborated with cybersecurity experts to protect their farm systems and data. As farms grow more technologically interconnected, safeguarding digital infrastructure is an emerging need.

The insights from Farm Journal’s recent research paint a clear picture for the U.S. dairy industry: In an era of escalating disease threats such as H5N1 and NWS, a reactive or static approach to protection is no longer sufficient. Ultimately, this research serves as a pivotal reminder that biosecurity and cybersecurity are not one-time tasks, but dynamic, ongoing processes demanding continuous review and proactive management.

“Improvements in biosecurity will require a paradigm shift in how we see our individual operations’ vulnerabilities,” Ramsey says. “I believe there are some misconceptions around what biosecurity looks like. For many, it’s thought of as Tyvek suits and face masks, not clean boots and coveralls, and shower-in-shower-out facilities, not limited-farm entry. There are simple ways to create biosecurity plans into every operation, and there are experts in our industry building innovative solutions to the complexities of the cattle industry.”

Breaking: USDA Warns of Avian Flu in Nebraska Dairy Farms

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 21:30:39 GMT

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories recently delivered surprising news. A dairy cattle herd in Nebraska has tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, marking the first known case of HPAI in cattle within the state. Although this outbreak within dairy cattle initially occurred in March 2024, it’s the first instance in Nebraska. As cases have been relatively limited to a handful of states, APHIS teams are on the ground, collaborating with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to carry out comprehensive investigations and assessments.

Though this detection significantly impacts the Nebraska cattle farming community, it will not alter USDA’s diligent eradication strategy for avian influenza. Biosecurity persists as a vital element in preventing the spread of disease. USDA strongly advocates dairy farms across the nation amplify their biosecurity protocols, particularly with the upcoming fall migratory bird season. Producers are urged to report any unusual clinical signs in their livestock or unexpected wildlife mortality to their state veterinarian to refine containment measures.

Consumer Health Remains Secure
An assurance to consumers remains crucial in times of such uncertainty. According to FDA, there is no cause for concern regarding consumer health or the safety of commercial milk supplies despite the detection. It is affirmed pasteurization effectively neutralizes the H5N1 virus. Milk intended for human consumption originates only from healthy animals, with milk from potentially impacted animals being safely segregated from the human food supply.

Lessons from the West Coast
Experiences from other regions can provide valuable insights into managing such outbreaks. A pertinent case is that of Zonneveld Dairies, Inc. in California, which faced HPAI outbreaks in October 2024. Jacob Zonneveld, the dairy’s president, reflected earlier this year at the 2025 California Dairy Sustainability Summit in Visalia on the challenges the outbreak presented.

With a sprawling operation of 10,000 cows and an equivalent number of replacement heifers spread across 6,600 acres in Laton, Calif., Zonneveld points out the challenges in preventing birds from accessing feed piles, emphasizing the role of biosecurity in treating infected cows, rather than prevention.

Like Nebraska, California dairies faced significant hurdles. In November, Zonneveld Dairies experienced a 15% decrease in milk production, signaling the peak impact of the epidemic. Despite a gradual recovery, production levels remain slightly lower compared to the previous year.

The persistent nature of avian influenza and its contingent effects on dairy farming call for an unwavering commitment to biosecurity and cross-sector cooperation.

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Enhancing Biosecurity on Calf Ranches: Balancing Animal and Human Health

Enhancing Biosecurity on Calf Ranches: Balancing Animal and Human Health

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:09:46 GMT

When it comes to biosecurity on calf ranches there are two main components: preventing disease spread among animals and safeguarding human health. While often the focus is on animal health, it’s crucial to remember the significant role humans play in disease transmission and prevention. Kirk Ramsey, veterinarian for Neogen, underscores the importance of biosecurity on calf ranches needing to involve those two main components and notes that implementing a comprehensive biosecurity strategy can help achieve a balanced approach.

In Deerfield, Kan., Kansas Dairy Development provides temporary housing for more than 96,000 head of cattle, from a few days old to springers nearly ready to calve, and according to Jason Shamburg, the organization’s co-founder and CEO, great animal care and husbandry go hand in hand with biosecurity.

“Clean cattle trailers, very clean facilities, clean calf hutches, clean bedding, clean milk, clean coveralls for our team and practices such as individual needle changes for treatments and needless applications for vaccines as well as a robust BVD screening and surveillance program are just some of the aspects that we believe develop a great calf but also creates the overall benefits of bio security,” he says.

Ramsey concurs but also notes sometimes a two-part viewpoint is overlooked at calf ranches because so much focus is put toward the calves when they are first onboarding into a new facility.

“Often they come from multiple states and go straight into calf hutches or individual pens,” he says. “In a way, this is kind of like a biosecurity practice to create a little bit of separation based on where those calves are coming from.”

Calf Health Management
Ramsey provides some tips on overall biosecurity tips for both calves and employees for calf ranches.

Onboarding
When calves arrive at ranches from various locations, biosecurity practices such as keeping calves separated in their hutches can create a needed barrier against disease. Maintaining organization based on the origin of the calves helps monitor and control potential disease spread.

“Also making sure those calves have had that first feeding is a massive part of their movement forward. Getting them comfortable and settled is a big first step.”

Sanitation Practices
Before new groups of calves are introduced, sanitation of the hutches is essential. Best practices involve pressure washing and using a combination of soap and disinfectants to clean the hutches. Air drying under the sun can further sanitize the environment. Moving hutches to new bedding areas allows the old ground to naturally sanitize and prepare for future use.

“A best recommendation practice is always moving hutches as you go down the line, so the calves are actually never on a bed pack where they were prior.”

Pest Control
Seasonal challenges, such as fly infestations in the summer, require strategic pest control measures. Ensuring dry bedding and routine sanitation practices can significantly reduce pest-associated risks. Careful maintenance of feeding areas, including bucket cleaning, can help control pest populations.

“Anything that we can do to try to maintain a drier environment in that calf hutch, the better to try to inhibit as much fly growth,” he says, noting the areas around where those flies are growing should be the target. “So that’s in front of those calf hutches, where that milk is getting spilled, where a lot of that fly growth is occurring.”

Record Keeping and Communication
Accurate record-keeping of calf health, vaccination schedules and treatments forms the foundation for effective biosecurity measures. Clear communication across all levels of staff ensures consistent implementation of biosecurity protocols, enhancing overall herd health.

“Having one person in charge of that line, or that group of lines, keeps that person responsible for those calves,” he says. “That person knows everything about those calves for that period of time, and then when they move to the next line, they are a communication relayer.”

Waste Management and Environmental Hygiene
Efficient waste management involves cleaning manure and bedding, allowing ample exposure to sunlight for natural ground sterilization. This ensures the environment is prepared for new calves, reducing the likelihood of disease resurgence.

“Allowing the sunlight to do its job, to break down the bacteria, is vital.”

Staff Training and Human Biosecurity
Another huge element to biosecurity is the people that interface with the cattle. It’s important to ask what are we doing to prevent each other from having the interface and bringing some of that stuff home to our families?

Providing coveralls and rubber boots can help reduce the risk of disease transmission to and from home environments. Encouraging routines like washing boots and hands is an easy yet impactful biosecurity measure.

Implementing comprehensive biosecurity measures on calf ranches fortifies the health of calves while protecting human health. Simple practices, such as maintaining cleanliness, systematic organization and thorough communication, can collectively elevate the biosecurity standard. Emphasizing these strategies ensures a healthier and more productive calf-raising environment.

As we aim for improved biosecurity measures, understanding both the challenges and solutions will pave the way for better practices on calf ranches, ultimately creating a win-win situation for both calves and humans.

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New World Screwworm Facts

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:24:55 GMT

A resurgent livestock pest has been making a lot of headlines lately.

The New World screwworm (NWS) was eradicated from the U.S. in the 1960’s, according to Extension educators at Texas A&M University. In a recently published bulletin , they noted there are occasionally flare-ups of the pest in Central America and Mexico.

Currently there is an NWS outbreak in progress in Central America. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently closed the border to livestock imports from Mexico after learning the pest was detected less than 700 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. The ban applies to imports of cattle, horses, and bison, although NWS attacks all warm-blooded species, including wildlife and humans.

The screwworm gets its name from the unusual feeding behavior of its larvae (maggots) that “screw” into the host’s tissue with sharp mouth hooks. Over time and continued larval feeding and reproduction, these wounds become larger and deeper, causing extreme pain, tissue damage, and sometimes even death.

The Texas A&M educators advise producers to regularly check their livestock for potential NWS infestation. Symptoms include:

Foul-smelling wounds with visible maggots;
Animals biting and licking at wounds;
Lesions in navels, ears, and dehorning and branding sites; and
Unusual restlessness or lethargy.

They shared that typical livestock insecticide treatments may not contain an NWS outbreak because of the difficulty in targeting wildlife for treatment. In the past, the only way outbreaks have been brought under control is via release of sterile males, known as the sterile insect technique (SIT).

Producers who suspect a case of NWS infestation should immediately quarantine affected animals and report the case to their local veterinarian or wildlife biologist.

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Discover What’s Next in Bird Flu: Must-Know Lessons from Last Year

Mon, 12 May 2025 12:06:49 GMT

The past year has been a tumultuous period for the dairy industry, grappling with the onset of the H5N1 bird flu virus in dairy cattle. Dairy farmers have significantly strengthened biosecurity measures, and researchers have gained valuable insights into the virus. This ongoing battle was highlighted in a recent “Dairy Defined” podcast, where top experts from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) shared their perspectives.

Understanding H5N1’s Impact on Dairy Cattle
The introduction of the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus to dairy herds in March 2024 caught the industry by surprise. Since then, more than 1,000 dairy herds have been affected. Thankfully, effective eradication efforts in certain areas raise hopes of completely eliminating the virus from the U.S. dairy cattle population. Jamie Jonker, NMPF’s chief science officer, remains optimistic about this possibility, emphasizing that the timeline is uncertain but achievable.

“I do believe we’re going to eliminate the virus from the U.S. dairy cattle population. I think it’s just a matter of when, not if,” he said.

The Role of Biosecurity in Containment and Elimination
Meggan Hain, NMPF’s chief veterinary officer, underscores the crucial role of biosecurity practices in preventing and containing the virus. The National Dairy FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Program plays a vital role in providing educational resources on biosecurity to farmers. This program helps farms develop robust biosecurity protocols to keep their operations safe.

H5N1 has offered a learning opportunity, enabling the dairy industry to identify areas for improvement. The increased vigilance in biosecurity measures and the collaborative efforts among farmers show resilience and adaptability. Hain says these lessons will better prepare the industry for future challenges.

“By setting that initial groundwork and getting the industry used to it, when we come up with something like avian influenza or bird flu, the advantage is that we can easily add onto what we’ve built already,” she says, noting that the enhanced biosecurity measures are built on top of the everyday biosecurity measures farms put in place.

The FARM Program has been instrumental in guiding the industry through the H5N1 outbreak, with a well-established framework for animal care and biosecurity. As Hain highlights, the program covers about 99% of the U.S. farm supply, offering everyday biosecurity tools that facilitate swift adaptations during outbreaks like avian influenza.

Progress and Future Challenges
USDA’s national milk testing strategy, now mandatory in 48 continental states, and the development of 12 vaccine candidates highlight the concerted efforts to address the H5N1 challenge. Six states, including Colorado, Oklahoma and Wyoming have successfully demonstrated virus-free dairy cattle populations, exemplifying effective containment strategies.

However, as Jonker points out, recent spillover events in Arizona and Nevada with a different H5N1 genotype pose new challenges.

“We’re still trying to understand: Are these just two additional kind of unique events or do we now have some sort of increased risk of spillover events in the wintertime and particularly in the Western High Desert areas, which is where all three of the spillover events have occurred,” he says. “We don’t have enough information yet there. So, I think yes, we can get rid of the virus, but we have complexities because we may have additional risk of spillover events that we might not have considered just a year ago.”

Sustaining Efforts into Year Two
As the dairy industry moves into the second year of combating H5N1, maintaining momentum and commitment to biosecurity remains crucial. While some regions remain unaffected, ongoing education and preparedness are essential in safeguarding against future outbreaks.

The challenge of H5N1 in dairy cattle presents an ongoing test of resilience for the industry. Collaborative efforts, continual learning and proactive biosecurity measures stand as pillars in overcoming this adversity and ensuring a sustainable dairy industry for the future. To listen to the entire conversation between Jonker and Hain, visit: NMPF’s Jonker, Hain See Bird Flu Lessons One Year Later - NMPF

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Kersia to Buy Neogen's Global Cleaners and Disinfectants Business

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:08:58 GMT

Neogen Corporation announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its global cleaners and disinfectants business to Kersia Group for $130 million in cash at closing plus contingent consideration tied to the future performance of the business.

“The sale of our cleaners and disinfectants business further focuses Neogen on food safety diagnostics and continuing to build on our leadership position in what we believe is an attractive end market with long-term tailwinds,” John Adent, president and CEO of Neogen, said in a release.

“The transaction is expected to be accretive to margins and close in the first quarter of the company’s 2026 fiscal year, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions,” Neogen said in a release.

With approximately $60 million of annual revenue, Neogen has a broad range of cleaners and disinfectants, the release says.

“Being used to such transactions and equipped with a dedicated process for a smooth and efficient integration, we are keen to appropriately welcome the collaborators within the business,” Sébastien Bossard, CEO of Kersia, said in a release. “I am convinced that their expertise and experience, as well as the wide range of products in the business, which perfectly complement our existing solutions, capabilities and skills, will be a key step in enabling Kersia to better serve its clients in the U.S. and abroad. Together, we will pursue our mission to ensure food safety across the food chain.”

Neogen’s disinfectant and cleaner products are formulated for use in a range of livestock applications, including swine, poultry and ruminant operations.

“The cleaners and disinfectants business has been a strong contributor to our Animal Safety segment and Neogen is committed to a smooth transition for customers, employees and other stakeholders,” Adent says. “We expect Kersia’s prioritization of investment and growth in the biosecurity market will benefit the business and provide sharpened strategic focus to maximize its potential for continued growth.”

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Navigating HPAI: Lessons Learned From a 10,000-Cow California Dairy

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:56:52 GMT

At the forefront of the dairy industry, Jacob Zonneveld, president and CEO of Zonneveld Dairies, Inc., boldly navigates challenges as he openly shares his experiences with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). With a sprawling operation of 10,000 cows and an equivalent number of replacement heifers spread across 6,600 acres in Laton, Calif., Zonneveld offers invaluable insights into managing this daunting threat.

The Onset of HPAI
In October, HPAI made its presence felt in the vicinity of Zonneveld Dairies, spreading rapidly despite limited resource sharing. The outbreak underscored the complexities of biosecurity measures, especially for dairies. Zonneveld points out the challenges in preventing birds from accessing feed piles, emphasizing the role of biosecurity in treating infected cows, rather than prevention.

Jason Lombard, DVM, Veterinary Epidemiologist with Colorado State University concurs, saying that segregating animals is good for treatment, but it’s inevitable that the disease will spread from pen to pen.

Zonneveld recounts their initial approach with drenching, ultimately leading to more challenges than solutions for the cows. At the 2025 California Dairy Sustainability Summit in Visalia, he detailed their shift to a treatment protocol focused on identifying symptomatic cows through signs like milk loss, runny noses, and respiratory distress.

“We did try drenching them first but felt that just kind of caused more problems than benefits to the cows,” he said. “What we ended up doing is giving an energy bolus and electrolytes as well as a couple of natural anti-inflammatory boluses. About 25% of our total herd was treated with these methods of treatment.”

Impact on Production
The California dairy farmer shared that November marked the peak impact of the epidemic, with milk production dropping by 15%. Today, production remains slightly below last year’s levels. Interestingly, Zonneveld Dairies, where cows reside in both freestall barns and open corrals, noted greater impacts among cows in freestalls, according to their comparative analysis of energy-corrected milk production.

“Treated cows tended to have higher levels of production beforehand,” Zonneveld observes, suggesting that higher-producing cows bore the brunt of HPAI. The farm’s data indicates that untreated cows had a 20-pound milk recovery from their production lows, while treated cows rebounded with a 38-pound increase.

“That’s pretty significant,” he says. “So, basically, cows that are severely impacted by the bird flu likely benefited from those treatment protocols that we had, but we’re still evaluating the long-term effect and whether more treatment could have been done.”

The insights gained prompted Zonneveld to consider more extensive treatment protocols in future HPAI incidents. While acknowledging the difficulty, he believes in the benefits.

“Maybe we treat more cows, even though it’s a pain. It seems to be worth doing some of those things,” he reflects.

As Zonneveld and his team continue evaluating and refining their strategies, they provide a beacon of learning for other dairy operations facing similar challenges. The ongoing analysis of these treatments not only enhances their preparedness but also underscores the importance of adaptive management in the face of HPAI and other agricultural threats.

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Hungary Confirms Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cattle

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 22:43:18 GMT

Hungary reported its first case of foot-and-mouth disease in more than 50 years, on a cattle farm in the northwest of the country, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) said, citing Hungarian authorities on March 7.

According to WOAH, the outbreak, discovered in the city of Gyor, is the first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease outbreak reported since 1973. The case was found on a 1,400-strong cattle farm on the border with Slovakia, Hungary’s National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) reported on Friday .

The farm showed classic symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease at the beginning of March, the report says.

“The presence of the pathogen was confirmed by the Nébih laboratory, which is why Dr. Szabolcs Pásztor, the national chief veterinarian, immediately ordered the closure of the farm and the initiation of an epidemiological investigation,” the report says. " In order to prevent the further spread of the disease, extremely strict official measures will be implemented, including a ban on the transport of susceptible live animal species.”

On Jan. 10, Germany confirmed its first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease since 1988. The outbreak was detected in a herd of water buffalo in the Märkisch-Oderland district of Brandenburg, near Berlin.

“The confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle in Hungary comes less than two months after the virus was found in water buffalo in Germany,” the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) said in a statement. “Hungary does not share a border with Germany; FMD-affected animals are approximately 475 miles apart.”

FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. Not only is it highly contagious, but it also causes severe symptoms, including fever, painful blisters, reduced milk production and significant economic losses for farmers.

FMD poses no direct health risk to humans, but it’s important to note that they can act as carriers of the virus via contaminated clothing, shoes or equipment.

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APHIS Answers Call to Protect Animal Agriculture

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:00:13 GMT

Despite facing many challenges, including the continued response to highly pathogenic avian influenza, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) worked to protect the health and value of America’s agricultural and natural resources.

“2024 was a year that confronted APHIS with new challenges. It was a year that forced us to find new and creative solutions to animal and plant health threats,” says Michael Watson, administrator for APHIS, in the 2024 Impact Report.

Here are a few highlights from the 2024 Impact Report surrounding animal agriculture:

Confirmed the first detection of HPAI H5N1 in a dairy herd in March 2024, and subsequently identified, investigated, and responded to H5N1 detections in livestock in over 860 herds across 17 states. APHIS issued two federal orders, implemented a producer support program, set up a voluntary monitoring and surveillance program for interested producers, and developed a national bulk milk testing strategy to help states protect the health of their dairy herds.
- Opened new market access for American agricultural exports, including U.S. rice to Ecuador, Texas grapefruit to South Korea, and California peaches and nectarines to Vietnam. APHIS also opened markets for U.S. live cattle, day-old chicks, and hatching eggs to Mozambique and beef and bone meal to Ecuador and Peru.
- Worked with regional partners in Central America to implement a multilateral response to the New World screwworm outbreak, increasing production of sterile flies weekly from 20 million to 90 million. These efforts, combined with rigorous surveillance and livestock inspections, protected U.S. borders from this devastating pest.
- Provided assistance to livestock producers on more than 123,000 occasions, including outreach and direct control activities to protect livestock from predation through a combination of techniques and tools. As much as possible, we responded using nonlethal methods like range riding, fladry, fencing, and husbandry practices.
Continued an emergency program to address nationwide detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Since the outbreak began in February 2022, we have confirmed the virus in over 1,300 poultry premises across the nation and supported affected producers through depopulation, disposal, and indemnification programs.
Protected American agriculture from harmful plant pests and foreign animal diseases by intercepting 289,855 prohibited agricultural items and 3,008 quarantine-significant pests during baggage inspections. These inspections involved more than 16.7 million passengers bound for the U.S. mainland from Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Read the full report here.

An Update on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O in Germany

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 16:29:29 GMT

On Jan. 10, Germany confirmed its first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) since 1988. The outbreak was detected in a herd of water buffalo in the Märkisch-Oderland district of Brandenburg, near Berlin.

“Water buffalo, introduced to Germany in the 1990s, are farmed for milk, meat, and grassland maintenance,” according to a summary by the team at the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) . They prepared a summary of the current FMDV situation in Germany for the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) as part of the SHIC Global Swine Disease Monitoring Reports.

Here are some key points:

Within the affected water buffalo herd, three infected buffalo died and the remaining herd of 11 animals was euthanized to contain the disease.
Authorities have implemented strict control measures, including the establishment of a 3 km exclusion zone and a 10 km monitoring zone, and are conducting investigations to determine the source and route of the infection.
Immediate actions included culling all susceptible animals within a 1 km radius, including a farm with 170 pigs and another location with 55 goats, sheep, and three cattle as a precaution.
A transport ban for livestock was imposed across Brandenburg and later extended to Berlin, lasting at least 72 hours.
Sampling of animals within a 3 km radius is ongoing to assess the outbreak’s spread.

Serotype O
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) identified the FMD virus as serotype O, a strain commonly found in the Middle East and Asia. Although, the exact route of entry remains unclear, the report says.

“The affected farm operates organically, using only its own hay for feed. The outbreak highlights the ongoing risk of FMD introduction into the EU through illegal trade and travel-related movement of animal products from FMD-endemic regions,” the report explains.

Germany, previously recognized as FMD-free along with the EU, has lost its status, triggering trade restrictions. Because of this, South Korea banned the import of German pork and quarantined 360 tons imported since December 27 for testing.

At the Green Week Agricultural Fair in Berlin, cloven-hoofed animals were excluded to mitigate risks.
In the Netherlands, 125 farms that recently imported calves from Brandenburg were ordered to suspend operations, and a nationwide standstill on calf transport was implemented until January 19.
Veal calf imports from Brandenburg were also banned.
Export to countries within the European Union’s single market is still possible for products that originate outside the restricted zones, under the principle of regionalization.

Germany’s FMD antigen bank, established for emergencies like this, holds serotype-specific vaccines and can produce them within days, the report says. Vaccines must be tailored precisely to the specific serotypen because vaccines against other strains are ineffective.

FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. Not only is it highly contagious, but it also causes severe symptoms, including fever, painful blisters, reduced milk production and significant economic losses for farmers.

FMD poses no direct health risk to humans, but it’s important to note that they can act as carriers of the virus via contaminated clothing, shoes or equipment.

“Past outbreaks in Europe, such as those in the UK (2007) and Bulgaria (2011), resulted in extensive culling of livestock to control the disease,” the report says. “The current outbreak underscores the importance of biosecurity measures, rapid response and vigilance to protect agriculture and livestock from this economically devastating disease.”

Summary of New FMDV Strains into New Territories (2022 to date):

2022
Egypt: South American strains A/EURO-SA, and O/EURO-SA, were isolated from a batch of Egyptian samples tested by the World Reference Laboratory (WRLFMD).

Libya: FMD virus O/EA-3, a strain from East Africa was detected.

Iraq: FMD virus SAT2/XIV, closely related to viruses from Ethiopia was detected. It was observed to cause more severe clinical disease.

Jordan: FMD virus SAT2/XIV, closely related to viruses from Ethiopia was reported in the country.

Türkiye: FMD virus SAT2/XIV, was reported for the first time.

2023
Qatar: FMDV SAT1/I topotype, a virus with close sequence identity to a virus from Kenya was reported for the first time.

Algeria: Virus of the SAT2 topotype (SAT2/V) detected for the first time. Viruses from this lineage were last found in Ghana (1991), Togo (1990) and Ivory Coast (1990).

2024
Libya: A new incursion of FMDV O/EA-3 which is endemic to East Africa

Türkiye: Re-emergence of a virus strain originally from Iran, FMDV A/ASIA/Iran-05FAR-11

2025
Germany: Recurrence of FMD after 37 years. The National Reference Laboratory at the FLI confirmed the virus Serotype as type O, although the virus strain, origin, and route of entry into Germany are yet to be determined.

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German Meat Exports Face Disruption After Foot-and-Mouth Disease Case

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 16:02:47 GMT

Germany’s meat and dairy exports outside the EU face severe restrictions after the country’s first case of the livestock disease foot-and-mouth was confirmed on Friday, the country’s agriculture ministry said.

German authorities confirmed the country’s first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in nearly 40 years in a herd of water buffalo on the outskirts of Berlin.

Foot-and-mouth disease causes fever and mouth blisters in cloven-hoofed ruminants such as cattle, swine, sheep and goats and in past decades has required major slaughtering campaigns to eradicate. Measures to contain the highly infectious disease, which poses no danger to humans, are being implemented, German authorities said.

The loss of Germany’s status as free from foot-and-mouth disease under World Organisation for Animal Health requirements, means many veterinary certificates for exports outside the EU can no longer be issued, Germany’s federal agriculture ministry said.

Consequently, exports of milk and dairy products, meat and meat products, hides and skins and blood products are “currently hardly possible”, the ministry said, adding that it “assumed third countries would immediately impose bans on such goods from Germany.”

The immediate goal is to ensure the disease does not spread, German agriculture minister Cem Oezdemir said.

German meat exports to the EU were likely to continue because current rules require exports to be stopped only from the region of an EU country directly suffering from a disease, an agriculture ministry spokesperson said separately.

Some countries are restricting imports of German meat including South Korea, the spokesperson said.

Authorities in Berlin and Brandenburg announced a six-day halt tothe transport for animals which can transmit the disease while investigations into the cause continue.

The president of the association of German farmers Joachim Rukwied called for urgent and intensive action to prevent the disease spreading and causing more serious financial losses for farmers.

The disease occurs regularly in the Middle East and Africa, in some Asian countries and South America.

(Reporting by Michael Hogan in Hamburg, additional reporting by Christian Kraemer in Berlin, editing by Kirsten Donovan and Christina Fincher)

California Issues New Ban on Dairy Cattle and Poultry Shows in Response to H5N1 Bird Flu

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:42:37 GMT

California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones has issued a statewide ban on exhibiting dairy cattle and poultry at fairs and shows due to the ongoing spread of H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) among dairy herds and domestic poultry. This decision, which comes in the wake of Governor Gavin Newsom’s state of emergency declaration last month, is aimed at curbing the devastating effects of the outbreak on California’s livestock and poultry industries.

“Due to the continued spread of H5N1 Bird Flu in California, the State Veterinarian has implemented a ban on all California Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions at fairs and shows immediately until further notice,” the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced in a press release. “This action is required to minimize the danger of exposing people and non-infected cows and birds to the disease.”

The outbreak, which began in the state in August 2024, has affected over 700 dairy herds and 60 poultry flocks, impacting more than 15 million birds across California. Within the last 30 days, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reports that 149 new confirmed cases had been detected within the state. With new infections still being detected, the ban is a step to prevent further spread of the virus.

Currently the CDFA is urging dairy and poultry owners to take immediate action by implementing strict biosecurity measures. These include preventing the mingling of livestock with wild birds or other infected animals, avoiding the movement or sharing of potentially contaminated equipment, and ensuring rigorous sanitation practices.

“Enhanced biosecurity is essential to protecting livestock and poultry from this devastating disease,” the CDFA stated. “Producers must prevent contact with wild bird populations and avoid any practices that might facilitate the transfer of the virus.”

Clinical signs of H5N1 Bird Flu in cattle include reduced feed consumption, a marked drop in milk production—sometimes resulting in thick, colostrum-like milk or no milk production at all—respiratory distress, nasal discharge, lethargy, dehydration, fever, and abnormal feces.

The ban on exhibitions is expected to remain in effect until the outbreak is under control, with officials monitoring the situation closely.

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California Issues State of Emergency Warning in Response to More Bird Flu Found on Dairies

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 22:45:29 GMT

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently proclaimed a State of Emergency to accelerate California’s response to avian influenza A (H5N1), or more commonly known as ‘bird flu.’

According to Newsom, this action comes as cases were detected in dairy cows on farms in Southern California, signaling the need to expand monitoring further and build on the coordinated statewide approach to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus.

“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak. Building on California’s testing and monitoring system — the largest in the nation — we are committed to further protecting public health, supporting our agriculture industry, and ensuring that Californians have access to accurate, up-to-date information,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement. “While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus.”

State health officials have reported that cases of H5N1 have been found on 641 dairy farms. The first confirmed case in the state occurred earlier in August, but roughly half of the farms were identified within the last month.

So far, no person-to-person transmission of H5N1 has been reported in California, and nearly all infected individuals have had direct exposure to infected cattle.

According to Newsom, the state has implemented the nation’s most extensive testing and monitoring system to address the outbreak. This recent declaration aims to bolster the state agencies’ response by providing additional staff and resources for testing, heightened quarantine measures, and distributing personal protective equipment to high-risk dairy employees.

Since its initial detection in Texas and Kansas in March 2024, the virus has spread to dairy cattle in 16 states.

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Navigating HPAI: Supporting Producers and Safeguarding Cows

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 17:04:24 GMT

The first person who will notice illness in the herd is the one who works hands-on with the cows. It’s a cow that just looks off, a drop in production or changes in cow activity and behavior that triggers a call to the vet, monitoring or treating. Treatment is on a case-by-case basis, depending on which cow it is and what’s going on.

But for matters of trade and human health, the health of the entire U.S. herd must be addressed systematically. Rosemary B. Sifford, DVM; Deputy Administrator; USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says disease monitoring actually looks very similar on the state and national level. “Except, of course, we’re looking across all the herds. In some cases, we do have surveillance programs in place for diseases that we that we know are of concern for us.”

She adds, “Our trade partners are very interested in what controls we put in place and how we eradicate diseases, so we share that information, and that helps to build their confidence, and allows us to trade, even sometimes in the face of an outbreak.”

Top of mind right now is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), and Sifford says that although this battle has been a long one, the USDA team can effectively follow protocols that have been laid out for other viral diseases in the past.

“Our action strategy is really made up of four key parts,” she says. “Understanding the virus in the cattle, understanding how it’s moving and what the effects are on the cattle, how it’s distributed amongst the cattle herd, and being able to address that by mitigating the movement of the virus, and then providing support to the producers to ensure business continuity.”

Ken McCarty, one of the owners of McCarty Family Farms in western Kansas identifies factors that are largely beyond their control as events they are closely watching. Events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and their subsequent effects on fuel and commodity markets exemplify these difficulties.

“Those sort of ‘black swan events’ that used to be once in a decade now appear to be occurring yearly or every couple of years,” McCarty explained. In response, the farm aims to price-proof their operations, ensuring they can withstand these unpredictable shifts.

HPAI was not on the 2024 radar for McCarty Farms. Nonetheless, their prior planning for foreign animal disease outbreaks allowed them to quickly adapt and take necessary actions. As they put it, “It’s those types of events that are midterm challenges that we’re always trying to prepare for.”

Sifford emphasizes that farmers are not alone in prevention or treatment for HPAI. “We do have a number of financial incentives available to help producers through all of this, from covering the testing and some of the veterinary costs, to having somebody come out and help you with a biosecurity plan or audit, personal protective equipment for employees,” she says.

“We really encourage producers to be involved in the status program, because this is an important way for us to understand where the virus is and what’s going on, and it gives producers a level of confidence that they’ve maintained the biosecurity necessary to keep from having to worry about the virus.”

Find more HPAI resources and support at www.aphis.usda.gov .

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Seismic Change Ahead for Dairy

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:11:10 GMT

In the rapidly evolving landscape of agriculture, dairy farming finds itself at a pivotal moment. Randy Mooney, board chair of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), emphasized the increasing changes impacting dairy farmers today are more seismic than ever before at the recent joint annual meetings between United Dairy Industry Association, National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, and National Milk Producers Federation in Phoenix, Az.

Understanding the Impact of FMMO Rulings
While the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO) rulings will affect dairy producers differently, depending on where they ship their milk, Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, applauded the endless efforts by staff and industry leaders in this process that will provide a much-needed template to revamp and revise the process down the road. A vote by dairy farmers on this proposal will come early next year.

Gregg Doud

(NMPF)

Both leaders shared that these changes introduce new dynamics into the dairy industry, necessitating unprecedented levels of cooperation and coordination among stakeholders.

“Everything we do, the future is going to take a level of cooperation and coordination from all of us. And we’ve had that, but it’s going to take more than we’ve ever had,” Mooney, a dairy farmer near Rogersville, Mo., says. He went on to applaud dairy farmers for their resilience in the face of challenges such as the expiration of the farm bill, extreme weather events like recent hurricanes in the Southeast and unforeseen issues such as the H5N1 outbreak. Mooney acknowledged these factors create significant strains on farms, families and finances.

Revised Biosecurity Measures
NMPF’s FARM Executive Director Emily Yeiser Stepp shared with the audience that many practices already established have been serving dairy farms under H5N1.

“Dairy farmers and their cooperatives have developed and embraced a robust biosecurity program through the National Dairy FARM Program,” Emily Yeiser Stepp said. “This program has been adapted and adopted by dairy farms across the U.S. to prevent the spread of H5N1.”

Future Investments
Both leaders remarked on the significant investments being funneled into the industry to bolster dairy’s future. This growth is crucial, as the dairy sector prepares for the expansion of manufacturing plants.

“What’s going on in this country right now is you have 7 billion in new investment and new processing, moving this industry forward, making it bigger, and investing in your future,” Doud says.

Dairy farming remains an essential component of the global food supply chain, providing nourishment to many, even amid worldwide challenges. Mooney emphasizes the privilege and responsibility that come with being a part of this sector, portraying it as a service to humanity that transcends individual ambitions.

“I continue to be inspired by all of you and the work that you’re doing,” he says. “Amid great change and preparation for the future, we are still part of the greatest industry that there is.”

USDA Approves New H5N1 Vaccine Trial for Dairy Cattle

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 20:12:30 GMT

As we near 200-herds being impacted by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the USDA says work is moving forward on a vaccine.

The agency has recently announced plans to conduct field trials for a vaccine aimed at preventing H5N1 from infecting dairy cows.

While four vaccines are licensed for avian influenza, none are approved for the current strain. And while a number of companies are working on a vaccine, the ag secretary says one company has presented sufficient information to allow him to authorize the first field trial.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to develop [a vaccine] in the near term with the information in this field trial,” says USDA Secretary, Tom Vilsack. “That will allow us to determine whether we can go to the next level, next set of steps necessary to ensure safe and effective use of the vaccine.”

The vaccine work is being overseen by USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics.

The secretary’s announcement comes after several ag industries, including dairy groups like the National Milk Producers Federation, sent a letter to the secretary supporting the development of a safe and effective vaccine one that can be used for dairy cows, turkeys and egg-laying hens.

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The Big Reveal from the Latest Milk Production Report

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 15:07:41 GMT

The latest USDA Milk Production report for July reflects a continuing downward trend, echoing the declines that milk production reports have consistently documented month after month in 2024. While this may seem like a case of “been there, done that,” a deeper dive into the data reveals some surprises worth noting.

Surprising Revisions in June Figures
Phil Plourd, president of Ever.Ag Insights, pointed out particular states where the milk production figures were revised downwards more substantially than anticipated. States such as Colorado, Idaho, and Iowa, which have been dealing with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, saw significant drops, including:

Colorado: Revised to -3.7% from an initial -1.1%
Idaho: Revised to -2.8% from an initial -1.0%
Iowa: Revised to -1.6% from an initial +1.2%

From a market perspective, Plourd expressed uncertainty about the implications of these revised numbers.

“I don’t know for sure, but looking at this list, some of the states that dropped lower seemed to be states that, anecdotally, were dealing with HPAI outbreaks,” Plourd reported. He added, “From a market perspective, I’m not sure what we do with the knowledge that things in June were worse than initially believed.”

Cow Numbers: A Glimmer of Hope?
While milk production has faced challenges, the situation with cow numbers offered a more nuanced picture. According to Plourd, despite light slaughter numbers, there was an increase of 3,000 head in cow numbers for the month. He noted that the current economic conditions are favorable for production, suggesting that eventually, weather conditions will cooperate more universally. Plourd shares that the U.S. dairy cow story may be more interesting, as slaughter is running light.

“The big questions is how much we can really grow milk production given how tight we are on animals,” Plourd asks.

Detailed Production Figures
The USDA reported that July milk production in the 24 major states totaled 18.2 billion lbs., down 0.2% from July 2023. The revised production figures for June stood at 17.9 billion lbs., down 1.5% from June 2023—a revision indicating a decrease of 137 million lbs., or 0.8% from last month’s preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 24 major states averaged 2,047 lbs. for July, which is 2 lbs. above July 2023. The number of milk cows on farms in these states was 8.88 million head, 31,000 head less than July 2023, but 3,000 head more than June 2024.

Furthermore, New Mexico experienced the largest decline, down 48 million lbs. (-8.9%) and 31,000 head to 491 million lbs., while South Dakota gained 29 million lbs. (+7.4%) to 420 million.